Canvas Commons groups and users via SIS import

[a_mcelroy]

We are wondering if it is possible to automatically add the groups and users that come through via SIS imports into Canvas Commons, our setup of sub-accounts and access within Canvas would be ideal in Canvas Commons as well (with the ability to add manual groups/accounts where required). All documentation read so far suggests that this is a manual setup but wondering if I have missed anything or if anyone has achieved this automatically any other way?

Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

If this is not possible and anyone would be interested in having this as an option let me know and I will submit an idea to Canvas.

Many thanks in advance,

Mia

[vanzandt]

I'm pretty sure you're right about it being a manual process. Unless something has changed in the last year.

If I recall, it was originally possible to use sub-accounts and then it was broken with an update that was made in Summer (?) of 2016. I'm sure someone else knows all the details, and would have links to discussions or feature ideas, as I remember this made difficulties for a number of institutions. I was at a meeting where Canvas reps said they'd consider adding this option back in, but now it's been 1.5 year.

Here are a couple of things I experienced when attempting to set up groups in Commons (at least a year ago):

• There is no easy copy/paste option to add a group of names all at once, like there is in a course site People tool. Each has to be individually, manually entered.
• The user has to have accessed Commons (clicked on the icon) at least once, for the user to be listed in the available users to be added to a group.

[a_mcelroy]

Thanks Todd, this is very helpful info!

Just sending through other information we have gathered so far, in case any one else has the same question:

• The closest step in the right direction I can currently see is the request to upload in batch. (Not yet available): https://community.canvaslms.com/ideas/9304-batch-group-management

• Information in this document suggest an API is currently being developed: https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-6892#jive_content_id_What_is_happening_to_subaccounts_in_Ca...

• Some information on considering the right way to setup groups within Canvas Commons: https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-6891

If we hear anything further regarding this, we will post it here. 

Thanks again Todd.

[vanzandt]

You're welcome, and thank you for sharing your information and resources!

[bdalton_sales · Accepted solution]

There already exists a public API for Commons which would allow you to do this programmatically for your institution.

Its documented here.    

[a_mcelroy]

Thanks for this Brett! Will take a look at this now.